Lakewood Ranch's Olivia Ortiz commits to run for the University of Alabama

Lakewood Ranch running standout Olivia Ortiz announced Monday she will attend the University of Alabama and run cross country and track and field.

Ortiz, who won an individual state title in cross country and ran on a state title relay team in track, said she chose the Crimson Tide over Mississippi, Louisville and Auburn.

"The recruiting process has been a journey," Ortiz said. "I had options. It just feel like it's the best overall school for me."

Ortiz suffered a broken femur during the state track and field meet in May. The injury cost her the chance to defend her cross country state title this year, but she said the femur is 100 percent healed. Ortiz is unsure about whether she can return for the track-and-field season.

Read more about this story in Wednesday's editions of the Bradenton Herald.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for unlimited digital access to our website, apps, the digital newspaper and more.